Suspect in Dell'z Deli stabbing fled to several states to escape

By Live 5 News Web Staff| December 8, 2011 at 1:23 AM EST - Updated June 26 at 1:45 AM

LAS VEGAS (WCSC)

U.S. Marshals say a 33-year-old man suspected of stabbing a Charleston deli owner moved from state to state in order to escape authorities.

On Wednesday, U.S. Marshals in Las Vegas captured David Israel Smith who is suspected of stabbing the owner of Dell'z Deli on Oct. 18 in Charleston.

Investigators say they tracked Smith to Louisiana, Texas, Illinois, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and ultimately Nevada. According to investigators, Smith relied on hitching rides and the benevolence of strangers, who gave him rides from city to city.

U.S. Marshals in Las Vegas began canvassing an apartment complex when they noticed an individual walking down the road who matched the description of Smith. The individual was detained, claiming to be "Joe Freeman."

However, ultimately the individual admitted to being David Israel Smith, authorities say. Smith was transported to the Clark County Detention Center, where he will await extradition back to South Carolina.

The Oct. 18 stabbing happened at a home on Boeing Avenue.

According to investigators, the victim, who fought off Smith during the attack, was alleged to have been ambushed by Smith as she walked from her car to her front door. When officers arrived, they found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to her right arm and left hand.

The Charleston police subsequently charged Smith with criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and attempted murder. Smith is also charged by the South Carolina Probation and Parole Service with a Probation Violation.

The U.S. Marshal led fugitive task force, Operation Intercept, began working with the Charleston Police Department shortly after the incident.